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Antarctica Guide

Bon voyage: a guide to luxury cruising

Words by

Sally Macmillan

Published

17 July 2023

Bon voyage: a guide to luxury cruising

Now that the world is (mostly) open again, our desire to experience more of it and in greater levels of comfort than ever before is fuelling a boom in luxury ocean and expedition cruising.

Northern Lights, Norway, Hurtigruten. Photo Hege Abrahamsen
Northern Lights, Norway, Hurtigruten. Photography by Hege Abrahamsen.

Now that the world is (mostly) open again, our desire to experience more of it and in greater levels of comfort than ever before is fuelling a boom in luxury ocean and expedition cruising. Here is our guide to some of the best luxury options in those cruise categories to help you decide which one might be right for you.

It could be a post-pandemic thing, but there’s clearly a heartfelt yearning to escape the crowds, fulfill long-held dreams of travelling to unspoiled destinations, absorb different cultural experiences, and, depending on how adventurous you are, test your own physical, spiritual, and emotional limits.

The lines between ‘luxury’ and ‘expedition’ are blurring as traditional luxury cruise companies such as Silversea and Seabourn launch state-of-the-art expedition vessels that come with butlers and wellness programs as well as science labs. Viking, which boasts the world’s biggest river cruising fleet, is expanding its relatively recent ocean operations with two new expedition ships and, later in 2023, mega-mainstream company MSC Cruises will introduce a whole new brand, Explora Journeys. The first of its six 992-guest ships, Explora I, makes her maiden voyage in July and the focus is firmly on all-inclusive luxury cruising in environmentally friendly vessels.

Other cruise lines are sticking to tried and tested models. In the classic luxury arena, the recent revival of the much-loved Crystal ships by Abercrombie & Kent is being celebrated by past guests around the world, while the British cultural expedition line, Swan Hellenic, relaunched in 2020 and recently welcomed the arrival of its third new expedition ship, SH Diana.

Classic luxury ships, accommodating from about 300 to 900 guests, sail to hundreds of ports across the globe, many of which are inaccessible to mega-ships — but they don’t venture to more challenging destinations such as Antarctica and the far reaches of the Arctic, where ice-strengthened hulls are among the essential requirements. Ports, anchorages, and coastlines in many remote areas are simply unnavigable for any but the nimblest vessels, and, in protected places such as the Galapagos Islands, ships are restricted to a maximum passenger capacity of 100.

Expedition vessels accommodate from fewer than 100 (12 on Tasmania’s On Board Expeditions’ new Odalisque II) to about 300 guests. Zodiacs or runabouts transport you even closer to the action, and the latest ultra-luxe expedition ships are also equipped with helicopters and mini-submarines. Companies such as Australia’s renowned Coral Expeditions specialise in exploring tropical destinations in small, modern vessels that are extremely comfortable but not tricked out with high-tech toys — and if exploring New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands is on your wish list (it should be), long-established NZ company Heritage Expeditions knows the region like nobody else.

Whether they are extremely high-end or more traditional in style, what expedition cruises have in common is a dedicated spirit of discovery. Teams of experts specialising in everything from anthropology to zoology are on hand to guide shore excursions, present briefings, and recaps, and join you at mealtimes for informal chats.

Fortunately, there’s a wide and wonderful world of choice for lovers of luxury ocean and expedition cruising — you just have to book well in advance.

Luxury Ocean Cruising

Cunard

Where

Cunard cruises worldwide, on itineraries ranging from two days to world voyages.

The fleet

Next year the line’s 249th ship, Queen Anne, will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

Life on board

Guests in Queens and Princess Grill suites enjoy exclusive dining venues and 24/7 butler service, while formal evenings, afternoon tea in the Queens Room, English-style pubs and the classic Royal Court Theatre are open to all.

Signature experiences

Transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York are made by Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true ocean liner. Themed event cruises feature the arts, food and wine, gardening and more.

Design, technology, sustainability

Cunard’s sustainability agenda supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Queen Mary 2, 25-night Sydney to Singapore, departing February 27, 2024.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Where

RSSC cruises worldwide, including grand voyages (60+days) and world cruises.

The fleet

Seven Seas Grandeur joins Seven Seas Splendor, Explorer, Voyager, Mariner and Navigator in November 2023.

Life on board

Exceptionally spacious ships, a high crew-to-guest ratio, elegant interiors and al fresco spaces and world-class dining add up to an ultra-luxe cruise experience.

Signature experiences

Super-inclusive fares cover shore excursions at every port, free pre- and post-cruise land programs on a huge selection of itineraries, all specialty dining, drinks, gratuities and more.

Design, technology, sustainability

As part of the NCL Holdings group, RSSC is committed to pursuing net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the company’s global Sail & Sustain program.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Seven Seas Explorer, 11-night Tokyo round-trip, departing October 7, 2024.

Seabourn

Where

Seabourn cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.

The fleet

Seabourn Ovation, Encore, Quest, Sojourn, and Odyssey, plus new expedition ships, 2023’s Seabourn Pursuit and 2022’s Seabourn Venture.

Life on board

Renowned for its service, Seabourn’s contemporary, stylish ships offer all-suite accommodation (most with balconies), an open-bar policy, and superb dining in an intimate, private club-like atmosphere.

Signature experiences

Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program; Seabourn Conversations with noted speakers from all walks of life.

Design, technology, sustainability

Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO, working with them to promote sustainable tourism at UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Seabourn Encore, 14-day Greek Isles and Turkey round-trip from Athens, departing May 2024.

Silversea Cruises

Where

Silversea cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.

The fleet

Silver Nova joins Silversea’s six ‘classic’ ships in August 2023, while Silver Endeavour is the fifth and newest member of the expedition fleet.

Life on board

Ships range in capacity from 51 to 364 suites and every suite has butler service. There are charges for dining at select specialty restaurants, but drinks and gratuities are included in the fare.

Signature experiences

Silversea’s comprehensive wellness program Otium launched on Silver Dawn and will feature on Silver Nova and Silver Ray. S.A.L.T., an immersive culinary concept, is available on Silver Moon, Dawn, and Nova.

Design, technology, sustainability

Silver Nova will be the first low-emissions luxury cruise ship to use advanced hybrid technology featuring fuel cells.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Silver Nova, 10 days from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, departing September 2023.

Oceania Cruises

Where

Oceania cruises worldwide, on itineraries ranging from seven days to world voyages.

The fleet In May 2023, the 1,200-guest Oceania Vista joins Oceania’s two 1,238-guest ships Marina and Riviera and four 650-guest ships Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena.

Life on board

All ships have recently been beautifully refurbished, and the onboard ambience is similar to that of a stylish boutique hotel.

Signature experiences

Oceania claims to serve the ‘finest cuisine at sea’ and the line introduced culinary classes at sea onboard Marina and Riviera. Ember and Aquamar Kitchen restaurants debut on Vista and Allura, along with a new Chef’s Studio.

Design, technology, sustainability

New Go Green tours focus on local conservation initiatives.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Oceania Vista, 10-day Caribbean round-trip from Miami, departing December 1, 2023.

Azamara

Where

Azamara cruises Worldwide, on itineraries ranging from seven nights to world voyages.

The fleet

Four 690-guest ships, Azamara Onward, Pursuit, Quest and Journey.

Life on board

All ships have undergone a recent revitalisation and fares include select soft and alcoholic drinks, gratuities and more. Six dining venues include two for-fee restaurants and there’s a new vegan and vegetarian menu.

Signature experiences

Azamara focuses on destination immersion and port-intensive itineraries. Every cruise includes an AzAmazing Evening, one-off cultural events exclusive to Azamara that are offered during late nights and overnights in port.

Design, technology, sustainability

The company is currently transitioning to being fully independent from the Royal Caribbean group and is refining its sustainability commitments.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Azamara Journey, 15-night port-intensive Perth to Melbourne, departing December 21, 2023.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Where

Viking cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.

The fleet

Since its debut in 2015, Viking has launched nine 930-guest ocean-going ships and in 2022 launched two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.

Life on board

Each identical, spacious ship features a contemporary Scandinavian design, a private balcony in every stateroom, two pools, eight dining venues, a cooking school and a Nordic-inspired spa.

Signature experiences

A free excursion in every port reinforces Viking’s focus on destination immersion and cultural experiences.

Design, technology, sustainability

Viking ships are the first to have a closed-loop exhaust cleaning system designed so that pollutants can be removed and disposed of safely.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Viking Neptune, Stockholm to Bergen, 15 days, departing August 1, 2024.

Scenic Ocean Cruises

Where

Scenic Ocean cruises worldwide, including polar regions.

The fleet

Launched in 2019 and 2023, the 228-guest ‘Discovery Yachts’ Scenic Eclipse I and II take adventure cruising to new levels of luxury.

Life on board

All suites have balconies and butler service, and the ships boast 10 dining options, nine bars and lounges, and the lavish Senses Spa. All-inclusive fares cover everything from drinks and gratuities onboard and onshore, to a comprehensive choice of shore excursions.

Signature experiences

Explore even further with the ships’ two onboard helicopters and a six-person mini-submarine.

Design, technology, sustainability

Ships use low-sulphur fuel to reduce emissions, advanced wastewater treatment systems and GPS Dynamic Positioning to maintain location without dropping anchors onto sensitive seabeds.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Scenic Eclipse II, 25-day Mawson’s Hut & Commonwealth Bay, departing Queenstown, New Zealand December 15, 2024.

Aurora Expeditions

Where

Aurora cruises polar regions, NZ Subantarctic Islands, Northern Europe, Patagonia, Costa Rica, and Atlantic Islands.

The fleet

The 132-guest Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle set sail in 2019 and 2022.

Life on board

The ships feature a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a gym and wellness centre, and 85 per cent of cabins have a balcony.

Signature experiences

Whether you choose an expedition in Antarctica and the Arctic or discovery voyages in other destinations, Aurora offers a wealth of onshore activities, including trekking, rock climbing, and ski/snowboard tours.

Design, technology, sustainability

Aurora has been certified 100 per cent climate neutral as part of an active sustainability plan in partnership with the South Pole company.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Greg Mortimer, 15-day Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, departing April 2024.

Ponant

Where

Ponant cruises worldwide.

The fleet

Four 244-264-guest Sisterships, six 184-guest Explorers, 245-guest Le Commandant Charcot, 32-guest sailing ship Le Ponant, 332-guest Le Paul Gauguin.

Life on board

Bilingual French-English crew look after multi-national adventurers in super-stylish small ships that provide a private yacht ambience.

Signature experiences

Voyages include expeditions to polar, tropical, and sub-tropical regions, ‘culture and relaxation’ cruises in multiple destinations and themed cruises (based on lifestyle, geopolitics the planet and culture) in partnership with international experts.

Design, technology, sustainability

Ponant is the only international cruise company to be awarded Green Marine Europe certification and Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first hybrid electric and LNG-powered luxury icebreaker.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Le Commandant Charcot, 24-night Northwest Passage from Iceland to Alaska, departing August 12, 2024.

Aqua Expeditions

Where

Aqua Expeditions cruises Eastern Indonesia, the Amazon and Mekong rivers, Galapagos Islands.

The fleet

Aqua Blu (Indonesia), Aqua Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia), Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera (Peruvian Amazon), Aqua Mare (Galapagos).

Life on board

Boutique luxury ships accommodate a maximum of 40 guests (just 14 onboard Aqua Mare). Expect fine dining, personalised service and tailor-made excursions.

Signature experiences

Superlative snorkelling and diving in Indonesia, superyacht sailing in the Galapagos, and cultural exploration in all its destinations.

Design, technology, sustainability

Aqua is committed to reducing engine and energy emissions, sourcing environmentally friendly and ethically produced materials for its vessel design, innovative waste management and a fresh rainforest/farm-to-table approach.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

Aqua Blu, 7-night Raja Ampat round-trip from Sorong Harbour, Southwest Papua, departing March 2, 2024.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Where

Hurtigruten cruises 30 countries including Alaska, polar regions, Norway, South America and West Africa.

The fleet

Hurtigruten’s eight ships include the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ships, MS Roald Amundsen and her sister MS Fridtjof Nansen.

Life on board

Guests enjoy an informal atmosphere, involvement in scientific projects and many included extras.

Signature experiences

To celebrate 130 years of exploration, Hurtigruten has introduced new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries, extending its traditional Coastal Express route on the fully refurbished MS Trollfjord.

Design, technology, sustainability

Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and was the first major travel company to remove single-use plastic from all its ships.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

MS Trollfjord, 16-day North Cape Express, Oslo to Bergen, departing October 6, 2023.

Lindblad Expeditions

Where

Lindblad cruises worldwide.

The fleet

The latest addition to the 15-strong fleet is the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, sailing the Galapagos Islands year-round. Sister ships National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance (128 guests) joined in 2021, with the highest ice-class rating of any expedition cruise ship.

Life on board

Each ship is individual and designed for the region where it cruises. All National Geographic-branded ships are owned by Lindblad, and the company charters other vessels, such as Delfin II in the Peruvian Amazon.

Signature experiences

The partnership between Lindblad and National Geographic means guests sail with world-renowned photographers, scientists and naturalists.

Design, technology, sustainability

Lindblad is a 100 per cent carbon-neutral company

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

National Geographic Islander II, 10 days Galapagos, departing Guayaquil, Ecuador on round trips year-round.

True North

Where

True North cruises The Kimberley, PNG, Indonesia and West Papua, Australian coast.

The fleet

The 36-guest True North and 22-guest True North II were purpose-built to explore coastal areas and shallow river systems.

Life on board

Small groups allow True North to offer a flexible range of activities every day and the enthusiastic, professional Australian crew are often cited as a reason why guests return so often.

Signature experiences

Personalised flights on the onboard helicopter are a major highlight but, like wine, beer and spirits, come at an extra cost.

Design, technology, sustainability

True North complies with requirements under the international MARPOL Convention to minimise and eventually eliminate pollution of the ocean.

Our pick of upcoming itineraries

True North, 10-day Kimberley Waterfalls, Broome to Kununurra, departing March 30, 2024.


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